Unadilla might be the most storied round of Pro Motocross. With a legacy spanning 60 years plus, fans have wide ranging memories and perceptions of the upstate New York venue. It’s a racetrack that has changed dramatically in its lifetime. Arguably the best track on the global circuit in its heyday, that perception and reputation changed wildly around the turn of the century. Much of the topsoil that created the legendary “Unadilla loam” had been carried off by thousands of muddy motorcycles. All that was left was a rocky, slippery base that had riders feeling some sort of way about the legendary facility. That sentiment would begin to shift around 2012, though, as new soil was brought in to regain that traction Unadilla was so known for. Rocks that had pelted racers for years were sifted and removed from the premises. The hard work paid off, too, as the groans started to fade when Unadilla drew near. Current pro riders seem to enjoy the more natural layout, a layout that was once its calling card amongst other tracks. Unadilla 2024 is now an event that all can look forward to, regardless if you’re racing the afternoon motos or downing a beer on the fence line.
This weekend’s racetrack could be a muddy affair. With rain forecasted leading up to and throughout the weekend, it seems likely we will have soft conditions at some point. How this effects the track is the big question and could have a few different outcomes. The Robinson family are no strangers to inclement weather and will take precautions. The standard move would be to leave the base hard and smooth. That allows the water to run off without soaking deep into the soil. That premeditated approach will keep things from getting deep. The tradeoff is that traction will go out the window in moderate conditions. If heavy rains don’t come, the base will be hard and impenetrable. Riders will be searching for traction on an extremely hard surface. It’s undoubtedly a tradeoff that will likely need to be determined by the time you’re reading this. Once it’s plowed deep, the track’s fate is sealed as far as rain vulnerability. It will be interesting to see how it’s managed and the downstream effects.
- Motocross
Unadilla
Saturday, August 10- QualifyingLiveAugust 10 - 10:00 AM
- QualifyingLiveAugust 10 - 10:00 AM
- MotosLiveAugust 10 - 1:00 PM
- MotosLiveAugust 10 - 1:00 PM
- Motos (Re-Air)August 12 - 2:00 AM
Unadilla is a racetrack that rewards carried momentum. While that may be a truth for any track, the rolling terrain and low traction of Unadilla exacerbate the validity. Riders that can stand on the pegs and float through corners without heavy braking or necessitating heavy throttle application will find success. The ideal way to attack this track is to not really attack it at all. High revving and berm blasting simply don’t work here. Riders like Justin Barcia can force it to work to a degree, but it will never be the most efficient, most advantageous approach. I know this fact well as Unadilla was a track I could never truly master. I learned to manage it on a relative basis but I was awestruck at those that could make the most of what Unadilla had to offer. Watch for riders like Shimoda, Kitchen, Hunter Lawrence, and Chase Sexton, as their style makes sense for this track. The latter two are obvious as they are leading the 450 points chase but a rider like Shimoda can utilize his silky smooth style to emerge victorious.
This weekend also marks the return of Cooper Webb, Justin Barcia, and Ken Roczen. How they fare is anyone’s guess but of the three, rain and mud would favor Webb the least.
Who’s Hot
Haiden Deegan won the overall at Washougal and continues to extend his points lead. He has a chance to clinch this title at Budds Creek if he can maintain this momentum.
Tom Vialle bounced back with 1-2 scores at Washougal and should fare well at the slippery, Euro-style Unadilla.
Chase Sexton is on a seven moto win streak and has extended his points lead to 28 headed into the final six motos. He looks like a different rider than at many points this season.
Justin Cooper sits third in points and is headed to his home state of New York. His hometown is several hours away from Unadilla but he’s fared well here in the past.
Aaron Plessinger is only three points out of that coveted third place in points. He had a fantastic Washougal right before the break so his confidence should be high entering ‘Dilla.
Who’s Not
Hunter Lawrence struggled at Washougal and seemed to lose the edge he had entering RedBud. The break should be a big benefit to the 450 rookie. It’s easy to forget he is still in his first season so I feel a bit bad listing him here; it’s more based on trend from the last three rounds.
Hurricane Debby wreaked havoc on Florida this week, flooding houses and racetracks alike.
Chance Hymas put in a heroic effort to score points at Washougal but his season standings have taken a huge hit as of late. He’s in the running for a MXON pick if he can resume his prior elite level.
Bold Predictions
I spend several hours reviewing tape on Weather Channel legend, Jim Cantore. Hard hitting track analysis coupled with barometric pressure readings and Doppler coordinates dominate my segments.
Ken Roczen continues to surprise, announcing that he will race a Suzuki KingQuad 400 at the next GNCC round.
Phil Nicoletti, Grand Marshal of Unadilla, sells foam fingers to signify his final season. Yes, that finger.
My Picks:
250
Tom Vialle
Levi Kitchen
Haiden Deegan
